Starmer Insists on Cutting Pensioner Winter Fuel Allowance

September 9, 2024 TruthUSA

There are several Labour MPs, both current and suspended, who are in opposition to the plan and will either abstain or vote against it in the upcoming House of Commons session on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed his decision to propose cuts to Winter Fuel Payments for many pensioners.

During an interview with the BBC on Sunday, Starmer stated that he firmly believes that limiting this benefit is essential to stabilize the economy and allow the new Labour government to meet its promises of enhancing public services and addressing issues like crime and immigration.

He emphasized the need to address the economic fundamentals in order to bring about the desired changes, even if it involves tough decisions.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced in July a plan to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, aiming to fill a substantial gap in the public finances.

The proposal is set for a vote in the House of Commons on Tuesday.

‘Bureaucratic and Unpopular’

Starmer acknowledged the unpopularity of some of the government’s decisions, including this one, within his own party, stating that tough choices are necessary to steer the economy in the right direction.

About a dozen Labour MPs have supported an Early Day Motion demanding a delay in implementing the measures until a thorough impact assessment is conducted.

The motion, backed by MPs like Nadia Whittome, Ian Lavery, and Clive Lewis, criticizes the plan as a bureaucratic and unpopular way of means-testing seniors, raising concerns about those slightly above the Pension Credit threshold.

It also highlights the annual excess winter death statistics among pensioners and the impact of a 10% rise in the energy price cap on pensioners.

Those endorsing the motion include six of the seven MPs suspended from the Labour Party in July for defying the government on the two-child Universal Credit cap.

John McDonnell, one of the suspended MPs, characterized this move as the wrong choice for fixing the economy.

McDonnell expressed willingness to support a revised version of the measures if presented in time, but will vote against if not.

Party Suspensions

Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield, while opposed to her government’s plans, plans to abstain from voting to avoid potential suspension given Labour’s disciplinary actions against rebellious MPs.

Starmer acknowledged that consequences for MPs voting against the government will be determined by the chief whip.

He stressed the importance of the upcoming vote in allowing parliament to address this issue and emphasized the shared mandate of all Labour MPs to bring about necessary changes for the country.

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